Just when you think you've heard it all...
A Washington, D.C. police officer has been removed from his unit and placed on administrative duty after allegations that he threatened to shoot First Lady Michelle Obama. The officer, who worked as a motorcycle escort for White House officials, "allegedly said he would shoot the first lady and then used his phone to retrieve a picture of the firearm he said he would use," reported the Washington Post.
The comments were reportedly made Wednesday morning as several officers from the Special Operations Division discussed threats against the Obamas. Some officials have said it was a bad joke made by someone who should have known better.
According to msnbc.com, the Secret Service is not concerned that the remark made by the officer constitutes any kind of actual threat. "We're aware of it and taking the appropriate steps," an official for the Secret Service told msnbc.com.
Let's separate politics from this issue. I don't care if you support President Obama or think he is the worst president in the history of time, I'd like to believe you see that this is wrong. A threat like this, even made as a joke, should be taken seriously. I believe a person is innocent until proven guilty, which is why I'm glad the officer's name hasn't been released to or by the media. But if the officer really made these comments, he should be fired from his job.
Many of us have made inappropriate jokes, but when a person entrusted to protect the safety of others threatens the safety of another, that's not funny. I'm hoping this may turn out to be a misinterpretation of what the officer actually said, but saying he "should have known better" is an unacceptable defense.
Those of you who think this was a joke not to be taken seriously, I hope you can explain where the humor is.
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